Coronavirus – Your concerns answered

We understand you may have concerns about Coronavirus (COVID -19) and we share those concerns. Our residents are the most frail and elderly and therefore are the most vulnerable.

Please contact the home if you have any concerns and please be aware that our policy is continually under review.

Combatting Coronavirus

We are following all Government and Public Health England policy to minimise the risk of infection for our residents. We are also in discussion with NHS Herefordshire, Worcestershire and Essex.

We have to manage the infection risk, as it cannot be removed entirely. These are unprecedented times, with the Government talking months before Covid-19 is under control. Visitors are important to the well-being of our residents but with the Governments new implementation of social distancing rules, we have had to make the difficult decision to CLOSE our homes to visitors.

A message from our Managing Director of Heritage Manor

Dear Family and Friends of our residents. It is with regret that we are now closing our doors to all visitors to the home. We have tried to balance the well-being benefits that a visit brings to both residents and their families, against the risks of the spread of Covid-19. As the social distancing measures have now been implemented, we are closing our doors to protect both residents and staff. We will make allowances for exceptional circumstances on a case by case basis, and request that you contact our home managers for further advice if you would like to visit. Thank you for your understanding, and please continue to work with us through this challenging period.

Simon Patient 23 March 2020

Exceptional circumstances of visitors to our homes

Non-essential visitors must stay away.

Family and friends are also asked to stay away at this time to protect our vulnerable residents from the risk of Covid-19 infection. However, there may be exceptions to close family members, which will be considered on a case by case basis in consideration of each residents care, health and best interest. Please speak to your home manager.

We ask that all families take note of and respect the Government and Public Health England guidance. Vigilance is imperative given our elderly residents are at a higher risk of infection.

To any visitor, any visit must be for exceptional circumstances, with the prior approval of our home manager and by appointment only.

When you visit, prepare to be challenged;

You will be asked if you are well. Please do not visit if you are unwell at all. It is not fair to our vulnerable environment – the final decision on access to the home lies with the team.

You will be asked to wash your hands before entry to the main areas of the home – all door codes have been changed to facilitate this.

Please do not go into bedrooms of residents who are not your relative.

Please do not go into communal areas.

Ensure you wash your hands if you cough, sneeze or use the toilet. Good hand washing techniques are essential.

Washing hands Tip: Use warm water and soap. Wash hands for the time it takes to sing Happy Birthday twice through.

What we are doing to minimise risk of infection

We are following the Government and Public Health England advice.

The advice for visitors, as above, has been reiterated on our homes Facebook pages and there are poster reminders at the entrances to our homes. We have a stringent entry criteria, set out above and have changed the entry codes on doors.

We have put in place a COVID-19 Policy and Procedure for our staff teams. Please contact Pippa Vicary, head of Human Resources at our Head Office if you would like to see this policy: 01905 828116

We are following specific guidance issued on 25 February 2020 by Public Health England for social care providers.

We are sure you appreciate from the news, that COVID-19 is rather uncharted territory. The Government and Public Health England will continue to monitor the situation and we will update our policy according to any of their recommendations.

If you are concerned or not sure about how we are keeping our residents safe, please speak to your home manager.

We wish you good health and thank you for your co-operation and support.